Magical 9 Wins

[Odessa]

We just need that amazing young bloke with the crazy feet and outrageous ball skills.

How good was he no words to describe the level of excellence no other player could match

But in saying that no other player could match his bad days as well and no words to describe it as well

 

[The Chad]

We just need that amazing young bloke with the crazy feet and outrageous ball skills.

Don't think it's possible to replicate that team, the circumstances.

But I think the blueprint can, and has, been copied to a degree. Reliance on bringing young players through, one solid spending spree to bring in the right mix of quality to guide the young players, a few little touch ups to fill gaps.

Not saying 2026 is a premiership year, but I will say it's not beyond belief that this squad plays finals. And once players like Makasini, Bula, Latu, Samuela, Sione, Taylan May etc hit their potential...(if they hit...)...it's not beyond belief they can do better.

Benji & Richo have done a pretty clever job of squad building, while enduring criticism from all directions. With an influx of back rowers coming to the club, with Taylan, Starford & Makasini bolstering the centre position...we are starting to nit-pick the week links in the squad.

Well, we don't have Yeo at #13! Guess what? Only 1 team has.

I believe we are entering a period of time where the dominant clubs are starting to weaken. Manly, Souths & the Sharks look like they are dropping first. But the Broncos are going to lose Reynolds & Hunt soon enough- then what do they do at #7? Melbourne could lose Paps & Munster to Perth. Canberra doesn't look like a team built for dominance over the next 5 years. Canterbury? Each way bet on which way they go. Penrith have gone well, but show signs that the player drain is catching up.

There hasn't really been a better time than now to have that squad build right.

 

[Tiger_heart]

Spot on, the Chad. However, just as teams you mention are starting to weaken, I am sure they have the growth mindset so not to be caught out. What we'll need, to your point, is a solid plan going into 2026, so we can exploit theit rebuilding phase. Will also be interested to see who the WT can attract in the market, beyond those looking to boost their super of course!

As for the 2005 "miracle" ...it was one of those events where the planets aligned. Has its right place in history, but not a lot we can draw from it, these days.

 

[Odessa]

Don't think it's possible to replicate that team, the circumstances.

But I think the blueprint can, and has, been copied to a degree. Reliance on bringing young players through, one solid spending spree to bring in the right mix of quality to guide the young players, a few little touch ups to fill gaps.

Not saying 2026 is a premiership year, but I will say it's not beyond belief that this squad plays finals. And once players like Makasini, Bula, Latu, Samuela, Sione, Taylan May etc hit their potential...(if they hit...)...it's not beyond belief they can do better.

Benji & Richo have done a pretty clever job of squad building, while enduring criticism from all directions. With an influx of back rowers coming to the club, with Taylan, Starford & Makasini bolstering the centre position...we are starting to nit-pick the week links in the squad.

Well, we don't have Yeo at #13! Guess what? Only 1 team has.

I believe we are entering a period of time where the dominant clubs are starting to weaken. Manly, Souths & the Sharks look like they are dropping first. But the Broncos are going to lose Reynolds & Hunt soon enough- then what do they do at #7? Melbourne could lose Paps & Munster to Perth. Canberra doesn't look like a team built for dominance over the next 5 years. Canterbury? Each way bet on which way they go. Penrith have gone well, but show signs that the player drain is catching up.

There hasn't really been a better time than now to have that squad build right.

I expect Penrith to be better in 18 months time then now the 19 kid in the centre I just love watching him big strong fast he will be the best centre in the game if not top 3

Blaze will be better next year and has another level to his game and will add ablib footy to Penrith

They have some very good young forwards

This year is Penriths down year